U.S. patent application number 13/254666 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-29 for methods and apparatus for adaptive operation of solar power systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMPT, LLC. Invention is credited to Anatoli Ledenev, Robert M. Porter.
Application Number | 20110316346 13/254666 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42982765 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110316346 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Porter; Robert M. ; et
al. |
December 29, 2011 |
Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Operation of Solar Power
Systems
Abstract
Methods and apparatus may provide for the adaptive operation of
a solar power system (3). Solar energy sources (1) and photovoltaic
DC-DC power converters (2) may be interconnected in serial,
parallel, or combined arrangements. DC photo-voltaic power
conversion may be accomplished utilizing dynamically adjustable
voltage output limits (8) of photovoltaic DC-DC power converters
(2). A photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) may include at least
one external state data interface (7) receptive to at least one
external state parameter of a solar power system (3). A dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit control (12) may be used to
relationally set a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit (8)
of a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2). Dynamically adjusting
voltage output limits (8) may be done in relation to external state
parameter information to achieve desired system results.
Inventors: |
Porter; Robert M.;
(Wellington, CO) ; Ledenev; Anatoli; (Fort
Collins, CO) |
Assignee: |
AMPT, LLC
Fort Collins
CO
|
Family ID: |
42982765 |
Appl. No.: |
13/254666 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
April 17, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/41044 |
371 Date: |
September 2, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
307/82 ;
307/151 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 3/385 20130101;
H02J 3/383 20130101; G05F 1/67 20130101; H02J 3/46 20130101; Y02E
10/56 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
307/82 ;
307/151 |
International
Class: |
H02J 1/00 20060101
H02J001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of solar energy power conversion comprising the steps
of: creating an MPP voltage DC photovoltaic output from at least
one solar panel; establishing said MPP voltage DC photovoltaic
output as an MPP voltage DC photovoltaic input to a photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter; providing at least one external power
converter voltage parameter to said photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter; dynamically adjusting a voltage output limit of said
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter in relation to said provided
external power converter voltage parameter; compensating for an
external power converter voltage via said step of dynamically
adjusting a voltage output limit of said photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter; slaving said step of dynamically adjusting a voltage
output limit of said photovoltaic DC-DC power converter to a
regulatory voltage limit; converting said MPP voltage DC
photovoltaic input with said photovoltaic DC-DC power converter
utilizing said dynamically adjusted voltage output limit into a
converted DC photovoltaic output; establishing said converted DC
photovoltaic output as a converted DC photovoltaic input to a DC-AC
inverter; inverting said converted DC photovoltaic input into an
inverted AC photovoltaic output.
2-6. (canceled)
7. A solar energy power conversion apparatus comprising: at least
one solar panel having a DC photovoltaic output; maximum
photovoltaic power point converter functionality control circuitry
to which said at least one solar panel is responsive; a
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter having a DC photovoltaic input
that accepts power from said DC photovoltaic output; at least one
external power converter voltage output data interface of said
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter; a dynamically adjustable
voltage output limit compensation control of said photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter relationally responsive to said at least one
external power converter voltage output data interface; a
regulatory slaved primary control to which said dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit compensation control of said
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter is relationally responsive; at
least one converted DC photovoltaic output of said photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter; a photovoltaic DC-AC inverter input
responsive to said converted DC photovoltaic output of said
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter; a photovoltaic AC power output
responsive to said photovoltaic DC-AC inverter.
8-12. (canceled)
13. A method of solar energy power conversion comprising the steps
of: creating a DC photovoltaic output from at least one solar
energy source; establishing said DC photovoltaic output as a DC
photovoltaic input to a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter;
providing at least one external state parameter to said
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter; relationally setting a
dynamically adjustable voltage output limit of said photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter in relation to said at least one external
state parameter; converting said DC photovoltaic input with said
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter utilizing said dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit into a converted DC photovoltaic
output.
14. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 wherein said solar energy source comprises a solar energy source
selected from the group consisting of at least one solar cell, a
plurality of electrically connected solar cells, a plurality of
adjacent electrically connected solar cells, at least one solar
panel, a plurality of electrically connected solar panels, and at
least one string of electrically connected solar panels.
15. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 wherein said step of creating a DC photovoltaic output from said
at least one solar energy source comprises the step of creating MPP
voltage for said at least one solar energy source.
16. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 wherein said step of providing at least one external state
parameter to said photovoltaic DC-DC power converter comprises the
step of providing at least one external state parameter selected
from the group consisting of a voltage parameter, a current
parameter, a power parameter, an insolation parameter, a
temperature parameter, a system status parameter, a demand status
parameter, a power converter output parameter, a string output
parameter, a historical data tracking parameter, and a regulatory
requirement parameter.
17. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 wherein said step of providing at least one external state
parameter to said photovoltaic DC-DC power converter comprises the
step of providing at least one multi-parametric external state
parameter.
18. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
17 wherein said step of providing at least one multi-parametric
external state parameter comprises the step of including a
parametric component for said at least one multi-parametric
external state parameter selected from the group consisting of a
voltage parameter, a current parameter, a power parameter, an
insolation parameter, a temperature parameter, a system status
parameter, a demand status parameter, a power converter output
parameter, a string output parameter, a historical data tracking
parameter, and a regulatory requirement parameter.
19. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 wherein said step of relationally setting a dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit comprises the step of dynamically
adjusting said dynamically adjustable voltage output limit
responsive to said at least one external state parameter.
20. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
19 wherein said step of dynamically adjusting said dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit comprises a step selected from the
group consisting of operating said photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter at a suboptimal efficiency, operating said photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter at a suboptimal input voltage, operating said
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter at a suboptimal power loss, and
operating said at least one solar energy source at a suboptimal MPP
voltage.
21. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
19 wherein said step of dynamically adjusting said dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit comprises the steps of:
implementing a step function to dynamically adjust said dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit; determining a resultant effect on
said external state parameter; repeating said steps of implementing
and determining until a desired result is achieved.
22. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
19 wherein said step of dynamically adjusting said dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit comprises the step of first
adjusting an external voltage to a safe condition.
23. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
19 wherein said step of dynamically adjusting said dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit comprises the step of compensating
for said external state parameter.
24. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
23 wherein said step of compensating for said external state
parameter comprises the step of raising a voltage limit of said
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter in response to a voltage drop of
said external state parameter.
25. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
23 wherein said step of compensating for said external state
parameter comprises the step of lowering a voltage limit of said
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter in response to a voltage gain of
said external state parameter.
26. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 wherein said step of relationally setting a dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit comprises the step of slaving said
dynamically adjustable voltage output limit of said photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter in relation to said at least one external
state parameter.
27. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
26 wherein said step of slaving said dynamically adjustable voltage
output limit comprises the step of hierarchically slaving said
dynamically adjustable voltage output limit of said photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter in relation to said at least one external
state parameter.
28. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
27 wherein said step of hierarchically slaving said dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit comprises the steps of: first
slaving to a regulatory parameter; second slaving to an operational
parameter; third slaving to an MPP parameter.
29. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 wherein said step of providing at least one external state
parameter comprises the step of providing at least one intra-string
parameter, and wherein said step of relationally setting a
dynamically adjustable voltage output limit comprises the step of
dynamically adjusting said dynamically adjustable voltage output
limit utilizing said at least one intra-string parameter to achieve
a desired condition for a string.
30. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
29 wherein said desired condition for a string comprises a
condition selected from the group consisting of a desired voltage
for said string, a nontraditionally high voltage for said string, a
near regulatory limit voltage for said string, greater than 400
volts for said string, greater than 450 volts for said string,
greater than 500 volts for said string, greater than 550 volts for
said string, greater than 65% of a regulatory voltage requirement
for said string, greater than 70% of a regulatory voltage
requirement for said string, greater than 75% of a regulatory
voltage requirement for said string, greater than 80% of a
regulatory voltage requirement for said string, greater than 85% of
a regulatory voltage requirement for said string, greater than 90%
of a regulatory voltage requirement for said string, and greater
than 95% of a regulatory voltage requirement for said string.
31. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
29 wherein said step of providing at least one intra-string
parameter comprises the step of providing a voltage for at least
one intra-string element, and wherein said step of dynamically
adjusting said dynamically adjustable voltage output limit
comprises the step of compensating for said voltage for said at
least one intra-string element.
32. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
31 wherein said at least one intra-string element comprises at
least one intra-string solar energy source connected to at least
one intra-string photovoltaic DC-DC power converter serially
located on said string.
33. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
31 wherein said step of compensating for said voltage comprises the
step of compensating selected from the group consisting of
compensating for an increased voltage output of at least one
intra-string solar energy source, compensating for a decreased
voltage output of at least one intra-string solar energy source,
compensating for dropout of at least one intra-string solar energy
source, compensating for shading of at least one intra-string solar
energy source, compensating for blockage of at least one
intra-string solar energy source, compensating for damage to at
least one intra-string solar energy source, compensating for
malfunctioning of at least one intra-string solar energy source,
and compensating for non-uniformity in at least one intra-string
solar energy source.
34. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
29 further comprising the step of dynamically adjusting a
dynamically adjustable voltage output limit for a plurality of
photovoltaic DC-DC power converters utilizing said at least one
intra-string parameter to achieve a desired condition for said
string.
35. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 wherein said step of providing at least one external state
parameter comprises the step of providing at least one inter-string
parameter, and wherein said step of relationally setting a
dynamically adjustable voltage output limit comprises the step of
dynamically adjusting said dynamically adjustable voltage output
limit utilizing said at least one inter-string parameter to achieve
a desired inter-string condition.
36. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
35 wherein said desired inter-string condition comprises a
condition selected from the group consisting of a desired
inter-string voltage, a nontraditionally high inter-string voltage,
an inter-string voltage close to a regulatory limit, an
inter-string voltage of greater than 400 volts, an inter-string
voltage of greater than 450 volts, an inter-string voltage of
greater than 500 volts, an inter-string voltage of greater than 550
volts, an inter-string voltage of greater than 65% of a regulatory
voltage requirement, an inter-string voltage of greater than 70% of
a regulatory voltage requirement, an inter-string voltage of
greater than 75% of a regulatory voltage requirement, an
inter-string voltage of greater than 80% of a regulatory voltage
requirement, an inter-string voltage of greater than 85% of a
regulatory voltage requirement, an inter-string voltage of greater
than 90% of a regulatory voltage requirement, and an inter-string
voltage of greater than 95% of a regulatory voltage
requirement.
37. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
35 wherein said step of providing at least one inter-string
parameter comprises the step of providing a voltage for at least
one external string, and wherein said step of dynamically adjusting
said dynamically adjustable voltage output limit comprises the step
of compensating for said voltage for said at least one external
string.
38. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
37 wherein said at least one external string comprises at least one
parallel external string.
39. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
37 wherein said step of compensating for said voltage comprises the
step of compensating selected from the group consisting of
compensating for an increased voltage output of at least one
external string, compensating for a decreased voltage output of at
least one external string, compensating for dropout of at least one
external string, compensating for shading of at least one external
string, compensating for blockage of at least one external string,
compensating for damage to at least one external string,
compensating for malfunctioning of at least one external string,
and compensating for non-uniformity in at least one external
string.
40. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
35 further comprising a step selected from the group consisting of
dynamically adjusting a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit
for a plurality of photovoltaic DC-DC power converters utilizing
said at least one inter-string parameter to achieve a desired
inter-string condition, dynamically adjusting a dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit for a plurality of photovoltaic
DC-DC power converters on a single string utilizing said at least
one inter-string parameter to achieve a desired inter-string
condition, and dynamically adjusting a dynamically adjustable
voltage output limit for a plurality of photovoltaic DC-DC power
converters on a plurality of strings utilizing said at least one
inter-string parameter to achieve a desired inter-string
condition.
41. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 further comprising the steps of: providing at least one external
state parameter to a plurality of photovoltaic DC-DC power
converters; relationally setting a dynamically adjustable voltage
output limit in multiple of said plurality of photovoltaic DC-DC
power converters, each in relation to said provided at least one
external state parameter.
42. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
41 wherein said step of providing at least one external state
parameter to a plurality of photovoltaic DC-DC power converters
comprises the step of providing a state parameter of at least one
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter to at least another photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter, and wherein said step of relationally
setting a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit comprises the
step of relationally setting a dynamically adjustable voltage
output limit in relation to said provided state parameter.
43. A method of solar energy power conversion as described in claim
13 further comprising the steps of: establishing said converted DC
photovoltaic output as a converted DC photovoltaic input to a DC-AC
inverter; inverting said converted DC photovoltaic input into an
inverted AC photovoltaic output.
44. A solar energy power conversion apparatus comprising: at least
one solar energy source having a DC photovoltaic output; a
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter having a DC photovoltaic input
that accepts power from said DC photovoltaic output; at least one
external state data interface of said photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter; a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit control of
said photovoltaic DC-DC power converter relationally responsive to
said at least one external state data interface; at least one
converted DC photovoltaic output of said photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter.
45-74. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Generally, the inventive technology relates to adaptively
operating a solar power system. More particularly, the inventive
technology may involve dynamically adjusting voltage output limits
within the system to achieve desired operating voltages. The
inventive technology may be particularly suited to adapting system
operation to changing conditions or unforeseen events.
BACKGROUND
[0002] While solar power is a promising source of renewable energy,
significant challenges remain with respect to exploiting this
technology. One such challenge may involve a susceptibility of
solar power systems to be influenced by a wide range of operating
conditions. This susceptibility in part may stem from the
architecture by which solar power systems typically are designed.
In particular, solar power systems generally may utilize a
distributed architecture, wherein a relatively large number of
individual solar sources--such as solar panels--are used to
generate power from sunlight. While ultimately the output of these
individual solar sources may be combined to produce the overall
power put out by the system, nevertheless each individual solar
source may operate within its own set of conditions apart from the
other solar sources in the system.
[0003] Several factors may influence the conditions within which
individual solar sources operate. These conditions may include
temperature, insolation, the photoelectric characteristics of the
solar source itself, and the like. Moreover, individual solar
sources frequently are operated with the goal of obtaining the
maximum possible power output from the source. Techniques for
operating an individual solar source in this manner generally may
be referred to as maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and may be
described in some embodiments for example in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/363,709, Filed Jan. 30, 2009, entitled
"Systems for Highly Efficient Solar Power Conversion";
International Patent Application No. PCT/US08/80794, filed Oct. 22,
2008, entitled "High Reliability Power Systems and Solar Power
Converters"; International Patent Application No. PCT/US08/79605,
filed Oct. 10, 2008, entitled "Novel Solar Power Circuits and
Powering Methods"; International Patent Application No.
PCT/US08/70506, filed Jul. 18, 2008, entitled "High Efficiency
Remotely Controllable Solar Energy System"; International Patent
Application No. PCT/US08/60345, filed Apr. 15, 2008, entitled "AC
Power Systems for Renewable Electrical Energy"; and International
Patent Application No. PCT/US08/57105, filed Mar. 14, 2008,
entitled "Systems for Highly Efficient Solar Power"; each hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As a result of
these factors, each solar source in a solar power system may
operate within a set of conditions perhaps unique and different
from the other solar sources in the system. Because a typical solar
power system may have a large number of individual solar sources,
each operating essentially within its own conditional framework,
the task of combining the voltage outputs of these various solar
sources to achieve a consistent and efficient operating voltage of
the solar power system may pose technical challenges. For example,
the solar sources in a solar power system often may be
interconnected in various serial and parallel structures, such as
wherein a number of individual solar panels may be serially
connected to form a string, and wherein a number of strings may be
connected in parallel to form an array. Naturally, the electrical
properties of such serial and parallel connections may affect how
the voltage output of individual solar sources is combined with the
operating voltage of the overall system.
[0004] At one extreme, for example, underperforming solar sources
on an individual string may cause a voltage drop in the string as a
whole, since the total voltage in the string merely is the sum of
the voltages of the individual solar sources on the string due to
the serial nature of their interconnection. If the voltage in the
string drops below a certain level, this may cause a loss of power
for the array of strings connected in parallel, due to their
parallel interconnection.
[0005] At another extreme, spikes in the output of individual solar
sources in a string may cause a voltage gain for the string as
whole, which again may result in inefficiencies due to the
connection topology. Such spikes in voltage may be undesirable for
efficiency, safety, or regulatory reasons. For example, solar power
systems often are subject to regulatory requirements that impose a
maximum operating voltage for the system--frequently a limit of 600
volts--and spikes in the voltage output of individual solar sources
can cause the total voltage in the system to exceed the regulatory
limit.
[0006] To deal with technical issues of this nature, conventional
solar power systems may utilize techniques to limit the voltage
output of solar sources. For example, where a solar source is known
to put out a certain voltage under normal conditions, limits may be
designed to create an operating range encompassing both the
source's expected normal output as well as a degree of variance to
accommodate changes in operating conditions. One architecture for
setting such limits may involve connecting each solar source to a
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter, wherein the converter may have
hardware or software that sets voltage output limits within which
the solar source is permitted to operate, and wherein the
converters may be serially connected to form a string. The voltage
output limits may provide a voltage output range within which the
solar source may operate that can accommodate a degree of changed
conditions. Should the voltage output limits be exceeded, the solar
source may be shut down, disengaged, or otherwise controlled within
the solar power system.
[0007] However, conventional voltage output limits for solar
sources may entail significant drawbacks. For example, conventional
voltage output limits only may be capable of being statically set.
Once set, the voltage output limits may not be able to be adjusted
in real time with respect to changing conditions affecting the
solar power system. As a result, setting conventional voltage
output limits in this manner may have resulted in undesirable
trade-offs. For example, one trade-off may be to foreclose
circumstances where it may be desirable to put out voltage for an
individual solar source beyond the limit set for its output, such
as perhaps to offset unusual voltage drops elsewhere in the
system.
[0008] The foregoing problems related to conventional solar power
systems may represent a long-felt need for an effective solution to
the same. While implementing elements may have been available,
actual attempts to meet this need may have been lacking to some
degree. This may have been due to a failure of those having
ordinary skill in the art to fully appreciate or understand the
nature of the problems and challenges involved. As a result of this
lack of understanding, attempts to meet these long-felt needs may
have failed to effectively solve one or more of the problems or
challenges here identified. These attempts may even have led away
from the technical directions taken by the present inventive
technology and may even result in the achievements of the present
inventive technology being considered to some degree an unexpected
result of the approach taken by some in the field.
SUMMARY DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The inventive technology relates to methods and apparatus
for adaptive operation of solar power systems and in embodiments
may include the following the features: techniques for providing
one or more external state parameters to a photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter; techniques for relationally setting a dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit for a photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter in relation to one or more external state parameters; and
techniques for utilizing a dynamically adjustable voltage output
limit of a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter to convert DC
photovoltaic input. Accordingly, the objects of the methods and
apparatus for adaptive operation of solar power systems described
herein address each of the foregoing in a practical manner.
[0010] Naturally, further objects of the inventive technology will
become apparent from the description and drawings below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a single solar
source of a solar power system in one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of multiple solar
sources interconnected in serial and parallel arrangements in a
solar power system in one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a plot of a relationship for current and voltage
for a given solar source in one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a plot of a relationship for power and voltage for
a given solar source in one embodiment.
[0015] FIGS. 5a and 5b are plots of conventional power converter
response incorporating static limits to changing operating
conditions for a given power converter in one embodiment.
[0016] FIGS. 6a and 6b are plots of power converter response
utilizing dynamically adjustable voltage output limits in response
to changing operating conditions for a given power converter in one
embodiment.
[0017] FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c are schematic representations of
conventional string response incorporating static limits to
changing operating conditions for a given string in one
embodiment.
[0018] FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c are schematic representations of string
response utilizing dynamically adjustable voltage output limits in
response to changing operating conditions for a given string in one
embodiment.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0019] As mentioned earlier, the present inventive technology
includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different
ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and
describe some of the embodiments of the present inventive
technology. These elements are listed with initial embodiments,
however it should be understood that they may be combined in any
manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The
variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not
be construed to limit the present inventive technology to only the
explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications.
Further, this description should be understood to support and
encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments,
systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any
number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also
with any and all various permutations and combinations of all
elements in this or any subsequent application.
[0020] Now with reference primarily to FIG. 1, various embodiments
may involve a method of solar energy power conversion. An example
of a solar power energy conversion apparatus may be shown for one
embodiment of the inventive technology in FIG. 1. A solar energy
source (1) may have and be used to create a DC photovoltaic output,
as by utilizing appropriate photoelectric effect principles. Any
suitable solar energy source (1) may be utilized, such as a solar
cell, a plurality of electrically connected solar cells, a
plurality of adjacent electrically connected solar cells, a solar
panel, a plurality of electrically connected solar panels, a string
(27) of electrically connected solar panels, and the like.
[0021] A DC photovoltaic output of a solar energy source (1) in
various embodiments may be established as a DC photovoltaic input
to a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2). The photovoltaic DC-DC
power converter (2) may serve to accept power from the
[0022] DC photovoltaic output and intermediate power transfer
between the solar energy source (1) on one side and the solar power
system (3) on the other side by converting the DC photovoltaic
input in a manner that accommodates the requirements of each. As
but one example, the photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) may
permit a solar energy source (1) to be operated at an MPP value,
such as by creating a MPP voltage for the solar energy source. To
illustrate this, FIG. 3 provides a plot for a hypothetical solar
energy source (1) illustrating that a property of solar energy
sources (1) is a relationship between current and voltage when the
source is in operation. Since power equals voltage times current,
it follows that FIG. 4 represents the power produced by this
hypothetical solar energy source (1) over a range of voltages. FIG.
4 dictates that maximum power is produced in the solar energy
source (1) when the source is operated at the voltage corresponding
to the peak of the curve. A photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2)
may allow the solar energy source (1) to operate at just such a
voltage, for example perhaps by using maximum photovoltaic power
point converter functionality control circuitry (13) to which a
solar energy source (1) may be responsive. These MPP aspects may be
more fully discussed for example in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/363,709, Filed Jan. 30, 2009, entitled "Systems for Highly
Efficient Solar Power Conversion"; International Patent Application
No. PCT/US08/80794, filed Oct. 22, 2008, entitled "High Reliability
Power Systems and Solar Power Converters"; International Patent
Application No. PCT/US08/79605, filed Oct. 10, 2008, entitled
"Novel Solar Power Circuits and Powering Methods"; International
Patent Application No. PCT/US08/70506, filed Jul. 18, 2008,
entitled "High Efficiency Remotely Controllable Solar Energy
System"; International Patent Application No. PCT/US08/60345, filed
Apr. 15, 2008, entitled "AC Power Systems for Renewable Electrical
Energy"; and International Patent Application No. PCT/US08/57105,
filed Mar. 14, 2008, entitled "Systems for Highly Efficient Solar
Power"; each hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. Other examples of how a photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter (2) may serve to intermediate power transfer between a
solar energy source (1) and a solar power system (3) may be
discussed elsewhere herein, including for example converting a DC
photovoltaic input with a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2)
utilizing a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit (8).
[0023] With further attention primarily to FIG. 1, a converted DC
photovoltaic output of a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) may
be established as converted DC photovoltaic input into a DC-AC
inverter (4). While not necessary for all embodiments of the
inventive technology, the DC-AC inverter (4) if included may serve
to accomplish the step of inverting this converted DC photovoltaic
input into an inverted AC photovoltaic output, such as a power
output that can be used by, for example, a power grid (5). The step
of inverting an input should be understood as encompassing and
creation of any substantially alternating signal from any
substantially unidirectional current flow signal even if that
signal is not itself perfectly, or even substantially, steady. A
DC-AC inverter (4) of any suitable design consistent with the
principles discussed herein may be utilized.
[0024] Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, individual solar energy
sources (1) may be combined to create a plurality of electrically
interconnected sources. Such combinations in various embodiments
may be responsive through either series or parallel connections.
For example, a serially interconnected plurality of sources may
form a string (27), perhaps such as a string (27) of solar panels.
An example of parallel interconnection may include connecting
strings (27) themselves in parallel, perhaps such as to form an
array. Regardless of how a plurality of individual solar energy
sources (1) are combined, by either physical or electrical layout,
certain sources may be adjacent in that they may be exposed to
somewhat similar electrical, mechanical, environmental, or
insolative conditions. Naturally, output may be combined for serial
interconnections so that their voltages may add whereas their
currents may be identical. Conversely, currents may be additive for
parallel interconnection whereas voltage may stay constant.
Moreover, interconnection may be made in any suitable manner. For
example, direct connection is but one manner in which the various
elements may be responsive to each other, that is, some effect in
one may directly or indirectly cause an effect or change in
another.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2)
in various embodiments may include an external state data interface
(7). The interface may enable the converter to send and receive
data regarding operational states of a solar power system (3)
external to the converter. Any suitable hardware, software, or the
like consistent with the principles discussed herein may be
utilized for an external state data interface (7). For example, in
some embodiments an external state data interface (7) may send and
receive information to and from a central source and enable power
converter operation responsive to that central source, such as
described for example in International Patent Application No.
PCT/US08/70506, filed Jul. 18, 2008, entitled "High Efficiency
Remotely Controllable Solar Energy System", hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. Embodiments also may include an
external state data interface (7) configured to send and receive
information directly from individual elements within a solar power
system (7), such as directly to and from other solar energy sources
(1), directly to and from other photovoltaic DC-DC power converters
(2), directly to and from other strings (27), or the like.
Naturally, system state information may be derived from a variety
of conditions. For example, an external state data interface (7) in
various embodiments may include a voltage data interface
(responsive, for example, to a voltage condition in the system), a
current data interface (responsive, for example, to a current
condition in the system), a power data interface (responsive, for
example, to a power condition in the system), an insolation data
interface (responsive, for example, to an insolation condition in
the system), a temperature data interface (responsive, for example,
to a temperature condition of the system), a system status data
interface (responsive, for example, to an operating status of the
system), a demand data interface (responsive, for example, to a
demand placed on the system), a power converter output data
interface (responsive, for example, to the output of one or more
other power converters in the system), a string output data
interface (responsive, for example, to the output of one or more
other strings (27) in the system), a historical data tracking data
interface (responsive, for example, to data tracked for an
operational history of the system), a regulatory requirement data
interface (responsive, for example, to operation of the system
within regulatory requirements), or the like.
[0026] Moreover, an external state data interface (7) may serve to
provide at least one external state parameter to a photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter (2), wherein the parameter, of course, may
correspond to the information received by the data interface. For
example, an external state parameter may be a voltage parameter, a
current parameter, a power parameter, an insolation parameter, a
temperature parameter, a system status parameter, a demand status
parameter, a power converter output parameter, a string output
parameter, a historical data tracking parameter, a regulatory
requirement parameter, or the like. In various embodiments, an
external state data interface and an external state parameter may
be multi-parametric, perhaps using two or more parametric
components to provide information on an external state of the
system. Regardless, an external state parameter may represent data
about conditions in a solar power system (3) external to the power
converter, which data then may be utilized in the operation of the
power converter as may be necessary or desirable.
[0027] Such utilization, for example, may involve relationally
setting a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit (8) of a
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2). A voltage output limit (8)
may establish a limit on the range of voltages which the converter
may be allowed to put out. FIGS. 6a and 6b provide one example of
voltage output limits (8) specifying maximum voltages which a
converter might be limited to. Of course, these examples are merely
illustrative and not intended to be limiting. By being dynamically
adjustable, voltage output limits (8) may be capable of being
adjusted as a dynamic part of the operation of a solar power system
(3), as by way of real-time adjustment, near-real time adjustment,
adjustment in equilibrium with other system elements, adjustment to
cause an operational effect in the system or in response to an
effect caused elsewhere in the system, and so forth. For example,
FIG. 6a may show one example in which dynamically adjustable
voltage output limits (8) may be maximum voltages which the
converter may be allowed to put out, but wherein the value of the
maximum may be changed to the values shown in FIG. 6b while the
system is in operation, perhaps even as an operational component
thereof. FIGS. 6a and 6b also may show a dynamically adjustable
range (11) for a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2). Of course,
these examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to be
limiting.
[0028] Relationally setting a dynamically adjustable voltage output
limit (8) may involve setting the limit in relation to the value of
one or more criteria, for example in relation to at least one
external state parameter. For example, relationally setting a
maximum voltage which the converter may put out may involve
determining an appropriate maximum value for the voltage in
relation to other voltage events in the system. FIGS. 6a and 6b
provide another example, wherein a dynamically adjustable voltage
output limit (8) may be set in relation to a regulatory requirement
or regulatory limit (28), creating a dynamically adjustable range
(11). Of course, these examples are merely illustrative and not
intended to be limiting. Any suitable parameter of the system could
be utilized as the basis of relation upon which to relationally set
a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit (8).
[0029] In various embodiments, a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter
(2) may include a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit
control (12) to relationally set a dynamically adjustable voltage
output limit (8). The control may be relationally responsive to an
external state data interface (7), as for example by receiving
information from the data interface, operating in response to data
interface information, or the like. Any suitable hardware,
software, or combination thereof may be used for the control
consistent with the principles discussed herein.
[0030] Moreover, various embodiments naturally may involve
dynamically adjusting a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit
(8) responsive to an external state parameter.
[0031] FIGS. 6a and 6b, for example, show an exemplary case in
which maximum voltage output limits (8) for a converter have been
raised to permit the converter to operate over a wider voltage
range, and FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a dynamically adjustable
range (11) for voltage output values. A dynamic adjustment made in
this manner of course may be responsive to an external state
parameter, for example wherein the external state parameter
describes changed conditions in a solar power system (3) making it
desirable that a particular converter in question have an expanded
or restricted voltage range within which to operate.
[0032] Relationally setting and dynamically adjusting voltage
output limits (8) may be done for a variety of purposes. One
example may involve compensating for an external state parameter.
The external state parameter may provide information about a change
in the state of a solar power system (3), and it may be desirable
to compensate for the changed condition by operating one or more
photovoltaic DC-DC power converters (2) under adjusted voltage
output limits (8). An exemplary case of such a situation may
involve dropouts of solar energy sources (1) on a string. FIGS. 7
and 8 set forth two hypothetical strings (27) experiencing the
dropout of multiple solar energy sources (1).
[0033] For the hypothetical case, presume each source is to put out
40 volts under normal operating conditions. Because each string
(27) has 10 sources, each string (27) will produce 400 volts under
normal conditions. Further presume the system must operate under a
regulatory limit of 600 volts. FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c present a
hypothetical conventional string (27), wherein each converter has
static limits set at 50 volts, thereby safeguarding against the
possibility of a spike in all 10 converters on the string (27) by
ensuring the string (27) can produce only 500 volts at maximum,
well below the 600 volt regulatory limit. Under normal operating
conditions in FIG. 7a, each source will put out 10 volts and the
string (27) will produce 400 volts. Under the unusual circumstance
of FIG. 7b, where two sources have dropped out, the remaining eight
sources may be able to put out 50 volts each, perhaps compensating
for the dropouts of the two panels and ensuring the string (27)
still produces 400 volts. Under the more dire situation of FIG. 7c,
where three sources have dropped out, the string (27) no longer can
produce 400 volts, because each of the 7 remaining converters would
have to put out more than 50 volts, which is above the limit that
has been statically set. Consequently, the entire string (27) must
drop out in the hypothetical case of FIG. 7c.
[0034] By way of comparison, FIG. 8 presents the hypothetical case
wherein each power converter has a dynamically adjustable voltage
output limit (8). In the normal case of FIG. 8a and the unusual
case of FIG. 8b, the results are the same as for the conventional
string (27) of FIG. 7. In the dire case of FIG. 8c, however, the
string (27) may be kept in operation at 400 volts. This is because
the voltage output limits (8) of the remaining seven converters can
be dynamically adjusted above 50 volts. More specifically, the
voltage output limits (8) of one converter, all converters, or some
fraction in between can be adjusted to ensure the string (27) is
kept in operation at the desired 400 volts. Naturally, each
converter on the string may have an external state data interface
(7) by which the converter is able to receive and act on
information regarding the changing voltage conditions in the string
(27). For example, voltage output data for individual converters
may be provided to a central source in communication with the
converters, and the central source may return information enabling
individual converters to dynamically adjust their voltage output
limits (8) accordingly. In this scenario, each of the seven
remaining power converters may receive information from the central
source through an external state data interface (7), such that
voltage output limits (8) may be raised in a coordinated fashion to
compensate for the three dropped out sources. Moreover, prior to
raising voltage output limits (8) on the seven remaining
converters, it may be desirable to lower the voltage output limits
(8) on the three sources which have dropped out. This may serve to
guard against voltage spikes in the event the three dropped out
sources suddenly come back online (for example where the condition
causing the dropout may suddenly abate, such as where insolation
levels may suddenly rebound from a shaded state, a blockage may be
suddenly removed, an intermittent malfunction may suddenly resolve
itself, or the like). Having a lowered voltage output limit (8)
already in place for the three dropped out sources may safeguard
against an over-voltage risk, such as perhaps overloading an
electrical component or exceeding a regulatory voltage requirement,
that otherwise might occur should the three dropped out sources
suddenly come back online and cause a string voltage which could
exceed a regulatory limit. Another change which may occur is the
inverter may stop taking power form a solar array. In this case all
DC/DC converters may move to their maximum voltage limit. If low
producing modules have low voltage limits and high producing
modules have high limits it is still possible to always stay below
regulatory limits.
[0035] FIGS. 7 and 8 exemplify one manner in which dynamically
adjusting a voltage output limit (8) may compensate for an external
state parameter. In various embodiments, an external state
parameter compensation control (20), such as of a photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter (2), may be utilized to effect such
compensation. For example, compensating perhaps may involve raising
a voltage output limit (8) of a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter
(2), such as with a voltage output limit increase control (21), in
response to a voltage drop of the external state parameter, such as
detected perhaps by an external state parameter voltage drop
detector (22). Conversely, compensating perhaps may involve
lowering a voltage output limit of a photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter (2), such as with a voltage output limit decrease control
(23), in response to a voltage gain of an external state parameter,
such as detected perhaps by an external state parameter voltage
gain detector (24). Of course, the foregoing examples are intended
to be merely illustrative and should not be construed to limit the
scope of the inventive technology.
[0036] Relationally setting and dynamically adjusting voltage
output limits (8) also may be effected in a variety of manners. As
one example, a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) may include a
step function control (18). Embodiments may involve implementing a
step function to dynamically adjust a dynamically adjustable
voltage output limit (8), determining a resultant effect on an
external state parameter, and repeating the steps until a desired
result is achieved. For example, implementing a step function may
involve adjusting a voltage output limit (8) incrementally,
discretely, fractionally, or in a likewise manner with respect to
an identified endpoint. The precise contours of the steps may be
provided by hardware, software, or any other suitable modality.
Following each stepwise adjustment, the result on an external state
parameter may be observed. In this manner, the adjustment may
approach the desired endpoint in a controlled fashion, perhaps
avoiding risks such as overshooting the desired target of the
adjustment and ensuring the adjustment is approached entirely from
one side of the endpoint. As but one example, where it may be
critical to avoid exceeding a regulatory voltage limit, utilizing a
step function as described may ensure that voltages are raised
without risk of exceeding the regulatory requirement.
[0037] Another example of how voltage output limits (8) may be
relationally set and dynamically adjusted may involve first
adjusting an external voltage to a safe condition. A safe condition
may be a condition of a solar power system (3) that avoids an
undesirable or adverse consequence to the system's operational
state, such as perhaps exceeding a regulatory limit for voltage,
providing an over-voltage input to an electrical component, or the
like. One example of first adjusting an external voltage to a safe
state may involve decreasing voltage output limits (8) for one
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) prior to raising voltage
output limits (8) for another photovoltaic DC-DC power converter
(2). In this manner, the risk of exceeding a regulatory voltage
limit, even temporarily, may be reduced or eliminated. Accordingly,
a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) in various embodiments may
include an external voltage safeguard control (19).
[0038] A further example of relationally setting and dynamically
adjusting voltage output limits (8) may involve slaving a
dynamically adjustable voltage output limit (8) in relation to one
or more external state parameters. Slaving may involve setting or
adjusting based on criteria, wherein some criteria may take
precedence over other criteria. For example, embodiments may
involve hierarchically slaving dynamically adjustable voltage
output limits (8). Naturally, any hierarchy of criteria may be
selected as appropriate consistent with the principles discussed
herein. One possible hierarchy may involve first slaving a voltage
output limit (8) to a regulatory parameter (for example, to avoid
exceeding a regulatory voltage limit), second slaving a voltage
output limit (8) to an operational parameter (for example, such as
compensating for a voltage drop due to panel dropouts on a string
(27)), and third slaving a voltage output limit (8) to an MPP
parameter (for example, such as ensuring a solar energy source (1)
is operated for MPP).
[0039] Accordingly, in various embodiments a dynamically adjustable
voltage output limit control (12) may be a slaved dynamically
adjustable voltage output limit control (12) or even a
hierarchically slaved dynamically adjustable voltage output limit
control (12). Naturally, such hierarchically slaved controls may
include primary slaved controls, secondary slaved controls,
tertiary slaved controls, and the like correlated to various
hierarchical priorities. For example, a primary control may be a
regulatory primary slaved control, a secondary control may be an
operational secondary slaved control, a tertiary control may be a
MPP tertiary slaved control, and so forth.
[0040] Relationally setting and dynamically adjusting voltage
output limits (8) also may involve utilizing a set point margin.
Such a margin may provide a buffer zone between the maximum voltage
output of one or more photovoltaic DC-DC power converters (2) and
some absolute value. For example, in some embodiments an absolute
value may be a regulatory voltage limit, and a set point margin may
provide a buffer zone between the regulatory limit and the maximum
output of a plurality of converters operating on a string. If the
regulatory voltage limit for a string is 600 volts, for example, a
set point margin may be established such that the combined maximum
voltage output of all converters on the string may be 550 volts,
thereby leaving a margin of 50 volts as a buffer zone between the
converters' output and the regulatory limit. Naturally,
establishing the set point margin may be done by relationally
setting and dynamically adjusting voltage output limits (8) of
photovoltaic DC-DC power converters (2). With reference to FIG. 8,
for example, assume hypothetically it may be desirable to achieve a
set point of 550 volts and a set point margin of 50 volts below a
regulatory voltage limit of 600 volts. With reference to FIG. 8a,
the voltage output limit (8) for each converter could be adjusted
to 55 volts; with reference to FIG. 8b, the voltage output limit
(8) for each converter could be adjusted to 68.75 volts; and with
reference to FIG. 8c, the voltage output limit (8) for each
converter could be adjusted to 78.5 volts. In each foregoing case,
the total output voltage for the string would not exceed 550 volts,
leaving a margin of 50 volts below the regulatory limit of 600
volts. Of course, a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit
control (12) in this situation may be a set point margin
control.
[0041] Another example of how voltage output limits (8) may be
relationally set and dynamically adjusted may involve relationally
setting or dynamically adjusting using a switchmode modality, duty
cycle modality, or the like, perhaps for example as discussed in
International Patent Application No. PCT/US08/57105, filed Mar. 14,
2008, entitled "Systems for Highly Efficient Solar Power", hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0042] Of course, the foregoing examples of how voltage output
limits (8) may be relationally set and dynamically adjusted are
intended to be illustrative and should not be construed as limiting
the scope of how voltage output limits (8) may be relationally set
and dynamically adjusted consistent with the principles discussed
herein.
[0043] Dynamically adjusting voltage output limits (8) in some
situations may cause photovoltaic DC-DC power converters (2) or
solar energy sources (1) to operate in a suboptimal manner. For
example, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate that power converters
typically exhibit varying degrees of power loss as the input
voltage moves off of a peak value. As shown in the figures, power
losses may increase the further the input voltage varies from the
optimum. Since dynamically adjusting voltage output limits (8) may
permit a power converter to operate across a wider range of input
voltages, as shown for example in FIG. 6b, situations may arise
where the converter becomes operated at a suboptimal efficiency, a
suboptimal input voltage, a suboptimal power loss, a suboptimal MPP
voltage for a solar energy source (1), or the like. While it may
seem counterintuitive, especially in light of conventional wisdom
regarding solar power generation, the inventive technology
described herein may permit and even encourage such suboptimal
power converter operation to degrees not before contemplated. In
particular, the suboptimal operation of individual power converters
may permit greater gains in a solar power system (3) as a whole,
for example such as by allowing more solar energy sources (1) to be
operated at MPP, or perhaps to allow strings (27) to keep operating
even despite substantial numbers of reduced panel functionalities
or panel dropouts. Accordingly, a photovoltaic DC-DC power
converter (2) in various embodiments may include controls to
intentionally operate the converter in a suboptimal modality, such
as a suboptimal efficiency control (14), a suboptimal input voltage
control (15), a suboptimal power loss control (16), a suboptimal
MPP voltage control (17), or the like.
[0044] In various embodiments, providing an external state
parameter to a photovoltaic
[0045] DC-DC power converter (2) may involve providing at least one
intra-string parameter, such as wherein the external state
parameter may be for a condition of some or all of a string (27) on
which the converter is located. Similarly, embodiments may involve
providing at least one inter-string parameter, such as wherein the
external state parameter may be for a condition on some or all of a
string (27) on which the power converter is not located. In this
manner, a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) in various
embodiments perhaps may be responsive to an intra-string data
interface (25) (responsive for example to conditions within a
string (27) on which the converter is located) or an inter-string
data interface (26) (responsive for example to conditions for a
string (27) on which the converter is not located).
[0046] Intra-string and inter-string parameters may be utilized to
achieve a desired condition for a string (27) or a desired
inter-string condition when dynamically adjusting a voltage output
limit (8). In this manner, a dynamically adjustable voltage output
limit control (12) in fact may serve as an intra-string control or
an inter-string control. Examples of desired intra-string
conditions or inter-string conditions may include a desired voltage
for the string or a desired inter-string voltage among strings
(effected for example perhaps by a desired string or inter-string
voltage control), a nontraditionally high voltage for the string or
a nontraditionally high inter-string voltage among strings
(effected for example perhaps by a nontraditionally high string or
inter-string voltage control), a near regulatory limit voltage for
the string or near regulatory inter-string voltage among strings
(effected for example perhaps by a near regulatory limit string or
inter-string voltage control), or the like. Nontraditionally high
voltages may be valued with respect to conventional solar power
systems, which for example may typically be operated in the range
of 200 volts to 400 volts. Similarly, near regulatory limit
voltages may be valued with respect to a conventional regulatory
limit voltage or regulatory voltage requirement, which for example
frequently may be 600 volts.
[0047] Moreover, in certain embodiments, an intra-string or
inter-string parameter may be greater than 400 volts for a string
or an inter-string voltage of greater than 400 volts (effected for
example perhaps by a 400 volt minimum string or inter-string
voltage control), greater than 450 volts for a string or an
inter-string voltage of greater than 450 volts (effected for
example perhaps by a 450 volt minimum string or inter-string
voltage control), greater than 500 volts for a string or an
inter-string voltage of greater than 500 volts (effected for
example perhaps by a 500 volt minimum string or inter-string
voltage control), greater than 550 volts for a string or an
inter-string voltage of greater than 550 volts (effected for
example perhaps by a 550 volt minimum string or inter-string
voltage control), greater than 65% of the regulatory voltage
requirement for an intra-string voltage or inter-string voltage
(effected for example perhaps by a 65% regulatory requirement
minimum string or inter-string voltage control), greater than 70%
of the regulatory voltage requirement for an intra-string voltage
or inter-string voltage (effected for example perhaps by a 70%
regulatory requirement minimum string or inter-string voltage
control), greater than 75% of the regulatory voltage requirement
for an intra-string voltage or inter-string voltage (effected for
example perhaps by a 75% regulatory requirement minimum string or
inter-string voltage control), greater than 80% of the regulatory
voltage requirement for an intra-string voltage or inter-string
voltage (effected for example perhaps by a 80% regulatory
requirement minimum string or inter-string voltage control),
greater than 85% of the regulatory voltage requirement for an
intra-string voltage or inter-string voltage (effected for example
perhaps by a 85% regulatory requirement minimum string or
inter-string voltage control), greater than 90% of the regulatory
voltage requirement for an intra-string voltage or inter-string
voltage (effected for example perhaps by a 90% regulatory
requirement minimum string or inter-string voltage control), and
greater than 95% of the regulatory voltage requirement for an
intra-string voltage or inter-string voltage (effected for example
perhaps by a 95% regulatory requirement minimum string or
inter-string voltage control).
[0048] With further respect to the foregoing voltages, providing an
intra-string parameter to a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2)
in some embodiments may involve providing a voltage for the
intra-string element. An intra-string element may be merely
something else located on the same string (27) on which the
converter may be located, such as perhaps the combination of
another intra-string solar energy source (1) connected to another
intra-string photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) serially
located on the same string (27). In these cases, an intra-string
data interface to which a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) in
various embodiments may be responsive may be an intra-string
element voltage data interface.
[0049] Similarly, providing an inter-string parameter to a
photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) in some embodiments may
involve providing a voltage for an external string (27), such as
perhaps a string (27) other than the string (27) on which the power
converter is located. In these cases, an inter-string data
interface to which a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) in
various embodiments may be responsive may be an external string
voltage data interface.
[0050] Moreover, dynamically adjusting a voltage output limit (8)
for the power converter may involve utilizing the intra-string or
inter-string parameter to achieve a desired condition for a string
(27), desired inter-string condition, or the like. For example,
such utilization may involve compensating for the voltage of an
intra-string element or external string (27) (for example, such as
wherein an intra-string control may be an intra-string element
voltage compensation control and an inter-string control may be an
external string voltage compensation control), perhaps such as
consistent with the principles described elsewhere herein.
[0051] Various embodiments may involve compensating for an
increased voltage output (for example, such as a voltage spike
caused by reflectivity or other high insolation conditions) of an
intra-string element or external string (utilizing for example
perhaps an intra-string solar energy source or external string
voltage output increase compensation control), compensating for a
decreased voltage output (for example, such as clouding or other
low insolation conditions) of an intra-string element or external
string (utilizing for example perhaps an intra-string solar energy
source or external string voltage output decrease compensation
control), compensating for dropout (for example, such as sudden
failure of one or more sources on a string) of an intra-string
element or external string (utilizing for example perhaps an
intra-string solar energy source or external string voltage output
dropout compensation control), compensating for shading (for
example, such as due to daily or seasonal moving patterns of shade)
of an intra-string element or external string (utilizing for
example perhaps a shaded intra-string solar energy source or
external string compensation control), compensating for blockage
(for example, such as due to the buildup of dirt or other debris)
of an intra-string element or external string (utilizing for
example perhaps a blocked intra-string solar energy source or
external string compensation control), compensating for damage (for
example, such as due to weather, manmade, or other events) to an
intra-string element or external string (utilizing for example
perhaps a damaged intra-string or external string solar energy
source compensation control), compensating for malfunctioning (for
example, due to mechanical failures or other causes) of an
intra-string element or external string (utilizing for example
perhaps an intra-string solar energy source or external string
malfunction compensation control), compensating for non-uniformity
(for example, due to different makes or models of equipment) in an
intra-string element or external string (utilizing for example
perhaps a non-uniform intra-string solar energy source or external
string compensation control), or the like.
[0052] Of course, the inventive technology should be considered to
encompass plural embodiments of the methods and apparatus discussed
herein. For example, embodiments may include a plurality of solar
energy sources (1), each having a DC photovoltaic output, and a
plurality of photovoltaic DC-DC power converters (2), each having a
DC photovoltaic input that accepts power from at least one DC
photovoltaic output, an external state data interface (7), a
dynamically adjustable voltage output limit control (12), and a
converted DC photovoltaic output. Dynamically adjusting a voltage
output limit (8) for a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) of
course may include dynamically adjusting voltage output limits (8)
for a plurality of power converters in any combination consistent
with the principles discussed herein, perhaps including power
converters located on the same string (27) or even different
strings (27), and perhaps utilizing any combination of intra-string
and inter-string parameters, data interfaces, and controls as may
be appropriate to achieve any desired string conditions or even
inter-string conditions. Similarly, providing an external state
parameter to a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) may include
providing any number of external state parameters to any plurality
of power converters in any combination, and dynamically adjustable
voltage output limits (8) may be relationally set or dynamically
adjusted in relation to the provided external state parameters in
any plurality of power converters in any combination, all as
consistent with the principles discussed herein. As but one
example, some situations may involve providing a voltage output of
one photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) to another photovoltaic
DC-DC power converter (2), and relationally setting a voltage
output limit (8) in response thereto, though of course this example
is merely illustrative and should not be construed to limit the
various possible combinations as just described.
[0053] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic
concepts of the present inventive technology may be embodied in a
variety of ways. It involves both voltage output limitation
techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate voltage
output limiting. In this application, the voltage output limitation
techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be
achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are
inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of
utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while
some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not
only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number
of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these
facets should be understood to be encompassed by this
disclosure.
[0054] The discussion included in this patent application is
intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be
aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all
embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may
not fully explain the generic nature of the inventive technology
and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can
actually be representative of a broader function or of a great
variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are
implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the inventive
technology is described in device-oriented terminology, each
element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus
claims may not only be included for the device described, but also
method or process claims may be included to address the functions
the inventive technology and each element performs. Neither the
description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of
the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent
application.
[0055] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may
be made without departing from the essence of the inventive
technology. Such changes are also implicitly included in the
description. They still fall within the scope of this inventive
technology. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit
embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative
embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are
encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting
the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be
understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed
claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any
required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks
a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the
reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to
support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek
examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the
applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering
numerous aspects of the inventive technology both independently and
as an overall system.
[0056] Further, each of the various elements of the inventive
technology and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners.
Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood
as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or
may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be
understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of
an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process
embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these.
Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure
relates to elements of the inventive technology, the words for each
element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method
terms--even if only the function or result is the same. Such
equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be
considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or
action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make
explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this inventive
technology is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood
that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action
or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical
element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of
the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this
last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a "converter"
should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of
"converting"--whether explicitly discussed or not--and, conversely,
were there effectively disclosure of the act of "converting", such
a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a
"converter" and even a "means for converting." Such changes and
alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in
the description.
[0057] Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in
this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference.
Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended
and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term
used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this
application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting
interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood
as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative
terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's
Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by
reference. Finally, all references listed in the list of References
To Be Incorporated By Reference or other information statement
filed with the application or in the table below are hereby
appended and hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety,
however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such
information or statements incorporated by reference might be
considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these inventive
technology(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as
made by the applicant(s).
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[0058] Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support
to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of
the solar power devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the
related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent,
and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods,
iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the
functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those
alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the
functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is
disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step
shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications
enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the
resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each
system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to
any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses
substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any
of the accompanying examples, xi) the various combinations and
permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xii) each
potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and
every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and
xiii) all inventions described herein.
[0059] With regard to claims whether now or later presented for
examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and
so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the
applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps
only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and
any third persons interested in potential scope of this or
subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may
be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the
benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any
preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or
arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there
is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject
matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are
presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may
have been considered at any prior time may need to be revisited
since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim
language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent
application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such
reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like.
Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing
or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any
time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or
surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such
surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or
any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v.
Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like
are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related
matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the
degree required under new matter laws--including but not limited to
European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent
Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws--to permit the addition of any of
the various dependencies or other elements presented under one
independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any
other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any
time whether in this application or in any subsequent application,
it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to
capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available.
To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the
extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to
literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent
otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to
have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage
as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all
eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably
expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally
encompassed such alternative embodiments.
[0060] Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase
"comprising" is used to maintain the "open-end" claims herein,
according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the
context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term
"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", are
intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or
group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other
element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be
interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the
applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the
phrase, "or any other claim" is used to provide support for any
claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent
claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a
subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example,
if a claim were dependent "on claim 20 or any other claim" or the
like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 15, or
even claim 715 (if such were to exist) if desired and still fall
with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also
provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and
even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain
claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus,
process, and the like claims.
[0061] Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby
incorporated by reference as part of this description of the
inventive technology, and the applicant expressly reserves the
right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of
such claims as additional description to support any of or all of
the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant
further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all
of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or
component thereof from the description into the claims or
vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection
is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation,
division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain
any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with
the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty,
and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the
entire pendency of this application including any subsequent
continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof
or any reissue or extension thereon.
* * * * *
References